Eredivisie: Ajax Overcomes 2-0 Deficit to Beat Twente 3-2

Twente's late collapse hands Ajax 3-2 victory

Ajax's Johnny Heitinga gets lifeline as team comes from behind to beat Twente. Wout Weghorst's header sparks Ajax turnaround as they overcome 2-0 deficit.

The introduction of Youri Regeer and Owen Wijndal at halftime sparked a miraculous turnaround...

Ajax snatched a thrilling 3-2 win at FC Twente, thanks to a dramatic second-half turnaround that could've saved manager Johnny Heitinga's job. The Amsterdam side was reeling after a disastrous week, including a 5-0 thrashing at Stamford Bridge, which had put Heitinga's position under intense scrutiny.

The match had all the makings of a disaster for Ajax, but a stunning 10-minute spell in the second half turned the tide in their favor. Despite being dead last in the UEFA Champions League standings, Ajax managed to pull off a remarkable comeback, silencing critics and giving Heitinga a much-needed reprieve.

Ajax's struggles continued as they fell behind early, Kristian Hlynsson heading home a corner to give Twente the lead after just three minutes. The Amsterdam side was powerless to stop Twente's relentless attacks, with Hlynsson, Thomas van den Belt, Ramiz Zerrouki, and Sondre Orjasaeter all coming close to doubling their lead.

❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/Ex1ScYJeVs

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 26, 2025

Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Ajax couldn't find a way past Twente's goal, leaving them to rue their wasted opportunities. Twente, on the other hand, looked threatening throughout the first half, with their attacking flair and precision causing problems for the Ajax defense.

At halftime, Johnny Heitinga sprang into action with a double substitution, introducing Youri Regeer and Owen Wijndal in place of James McConnell and Ko Itakura. The tactical move aimed to shake things up and relieve the pressure on the Ajax defense, which had been pinned back by Twente's relentless attacks.

Ajax Stages Dramatic Comeback

The introduction of Youri Regeer and Owen Wijndal at halftime sparked a miraculous turnaround. Wout Weghorst broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half, expertly heading past Lars Unnerstall off a Kenneth Taylor assist. Oscar Gloukh soon doubled Ajax's advantage with a stunning half-volley into the top corner. The rout was completed when Raul Moro's swift counterattack led to Mika Godts slotting home the third, leaving Twente reeling.

But Twente refused to give up. Lucas Rosa's handball in the box gifted them a penalty, which former Norwich City striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel coolly converted, bringing Twente back into contention with 25 minutes remaining.

Thomas van den Belt shot a menacing effort that narrowly missed the post, but Twente couldn't capitalize on the momentum. For 20 more minutes, Ajax held firm, looking to secure their first away win of the season. In the end, Twente's attack sputtered, and Ajax held on for the 3-2 victory, handing new manager John van den Brom his first loss.

FC Twente will kick off their KNVB Beker campaign next week with an away match against amateur side Rohda Raalte. Meanwhile, Ajax will shift their focus to the upcoming Eredivisie clash against Heerenveen at home and start preparing for their Champions League fixture against Galatasaray on November 5th.